Objective To study the localization of Smad 2 and Smad 4 proteins, which are intracellular signaling molecules of transforming growth factor ? family in adult rat testis. Method Immunohistochemical ABC method with glucose oxidase DAB nickel enhancement technique was used in the present study. Results Smad 2 immunoreactivity was mainly located in the spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubule and Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue. The reactive substance distributes in cytoplasm with negative nuclei. While Smad 4 is mainly expressed in cytoplasm of Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells is weak stained. Conclusion Our findings of Smad 2 expression in spermatogenic cells and Smad 4 expression in Leydig cells provide direct evidence for the molecular mechanism of TGF ? action during spermatogenesis.

OBJECTIVETo find a method without corticosteroids, aspirin or heparin for treatment of anticardiolipin antibody-positive early recurrent spontaneous abortion (AARSA).

METHODSTwenty-three patients of AARSA in the treated group were treated with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) plus human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone, and 18 patiens in the control group were treated with multi-vitamin only. The change of anticardiolipin antibody was determined by enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSAfter treatment, anticardiolipin antibody negative converted in 20 cases (86.9%) of the treated group. The cure rate of abortion in the treated group was 82.6% (19/23), which was raised to 95% (19/20) in those patients with antibody negative conversion, while in the control group, it was 16.7% (3/18) merely, comparison between the two groups in cure rate showed significant difference (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCHM plus human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone could cure AARSA effectively.

Abortion, Habitual ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Abortion, Spontaneous ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Adult ; Antibodies, Anticardiolipin ; blood ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; Progesterone ; therapeutic use

Objective To compare the spine intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and the conventional radiation therapy on the beagle spinal cord neurons,in order to prove the biological safety of IMRT of the spinal cord.Methods Twelve selected purebred beagles were randomly divided into 2 groups.A beagle clinical model of tumor was mimiced in the ninth and tenth thoracic vertebrae.Then the beagles were irradiated by 2 different models of intensity modulated radiotherapy and conventional radiation therapy,with the total irradiation doses of 50 and 70 Gy.The samples of spinal cord were taken out from the same position of the nine and tenth thoracic vertebrae at the third month after radiation.All the samples were observed by the electron microscope,and the Fas and HSP70 expression in spinal cord neurons were evaluated by immunohistochemistry method.Terminal deoxynucleatidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick and labeling (TUNEL) technique was used to examine the apoptotic cells in the spinal cord.Results The neurons in the spinal cord of IMRT group were mainly reversible injury,and those in the conventional radiation therapy were mainly apoptosis.Compared with the conventional radiation therapy group [50 Gy group,(7.3±1.1)% ;70 Gy group,(11.3 ±.4)%],the apoptosis rate of the spinal cord neurons of the intensity modulated radiotherapy group[50 Gy group,(1.2 ±0.7)%;70 Gy group(2.5 ±0.8)%] was much lower[(50 Gy group,t＝0.022,P＜0.05;70 Gy group,t＝0.017,P＜0.05)].The expression levels of Fas in the IMPT group(50 Gy group,4.6 ±0.8;70 Gy group,7.4 ±1.1)were also much lowerthan those in the other group(50 Gy group,15.1 4-6.4;70 Gy group,19.3 ±7.6.50 Gy group,t＝0.231,P＜0.05;70 Gy group,t:0.457,P＜0.05),while the expression levels of HSP70 in the IMPT group(50 Gy group,9.1 ±0.8;70 Gy group,7.3±1.4)were much higher than those in the conventional radiation therapy group(50 Gy group,2.1 ±0.9;70 Gy group,1.7±0.3;50 Gy group,t＝0.153,P＜0.05;70 Gy group,t＝0.223,P＜0.05).The expression of Fas/HSP70 was positively correlated with the apoptosis rate of the spinal cord neurons(r＝0.996,t＝1.14.P＜0.05).Conclusions The late radiotherapy response of the spinal cord neurons was obviously observed on the third month.Comparison of the morphology and apoptosis rate of the spinal cord neurons after radiotherapy,the expression of Fas and HSP70 indicated that the biological safety in the 1MRT might be much better than that the conventional radiation therapy.

For the efficient interception performance of the membrane, some biological aspect in membrane bioreactor are different from those in the activated sludge process. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of microbial community, activated sludge, and microbial products in the membrane bioreactor are illustrated in this paper.

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between obesity and migraine.

METHODSThe online databases inlcuding PubMed, EMBASE, Wanfang, CNKI and Chinese Biological Medicine Database were searched for studies assessing the relationship between obesity and migraine according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Stata12.0 software was used for meta- analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the relationship between obesity and the risk of migraine.

RESULTA total of 14 studies involving 193 274 individuals were included in the analysis. The results of meta-analysis showed that obese individuals had an increased risk of migraine by 19% as compared with normal weight individuals [OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.38; P=0.029) and by 19% as compared with non-obese individuals (OR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.02-1.38; P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONObesity is associated with an increased risk of migraine.

Humans ; Migraine Disorders ; complications ; Obesity ; complications ; Odds Ratio ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo develop methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of Flos Cartnami from three aspects, pigments, flavonoids and adenosine.

METHODA method using HPLC coupled with electrochemical detector was developed to determine the content of hydroxysafflor yellow A and fingerprint of Flos Carthami. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Zorbax SB C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) by gradient elution with phosphate buffer and acetonitrile at a flow-rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1), the column temperature was 35 degrees C, the reference electrode was ISAAC (in-situ silver/silver chloride), the working electrode was glassy carbon, the counter electrode was Pt, and the applied potential was + 800 mV. Concentration of adenosine was determined by HPLC-UV on an Diamonsil C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with water-acetonitrile (95:5) as mobile phase, the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1), the column temperature was 40 degrees C and the detection wavelength was 260 nm. The content of cartharmin was detected using a spectrophotometric method.

RESULTTwenty-one common chromatographic peaks were selected as characteristic peaks in the chromatogram of sample solution of Flos Cartnami. Seven peaks were identified as hydroxysafflor yellow A, 6-hydroxykaempferol-3-O-glucoside, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin, kaempferol. The contents of hydroxysafflor yellow A and adenosine were from 0.35% to 3.58% and from 0.03% per hundred to 0.49% per hundred, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe methods can be used to evaluate the quality of Flos Carthami.

Adenosine ; chemistry ; Chalcone ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quinones ; chemistry

BACKGROUNDHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. In order to investigate the molecular biologic mechanism of HCC's development, we studied the expressions of SE-1, CD105 and CD31 in tumor endothelial cells (TECs) of HCC and in the serum of rats.

METHODSWe analyzed the expressions of SE-1, CD31 and CD105 in rat HCC tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Twenty HCC bearing rats and eighteen normal rats were examined for the expressions of SE-1, CD31 and CD105 antigens in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSSE-1, CD31 and CD105 antigens were detected both in HCC tissue and in normal liver tissue with higher expressions of CD31 and CD105 in HCC while the SE-1 antigen expression was higher in normal liver. Similarly, serum CD31 and CD105 in rats with HCC were significantly increased compared with normal rats (t = 2.8628, P = 0.0086; t = 4.4922, P < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, SE-1 antigen in HCC rat serum was significantly decreased compared with normal rats (t = 3.4983, P = 0.0011).

CONCLUSIONSE-1, CD31 and CD105 are closely related with liver tumor angiogenesis, which is similar to their performances in terms of their expressions in the serum.

Animals ; Antigens, CD ; blood ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood supply ; chemistry ; Endothelial Cells ; chemistry ; immunology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Immunohistochemistry ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; blood supply ; chemistry ; Male ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; blood ; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred BUF

We described a human case of zoonotic dog tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum (Eucestoda: Dilepidiidae), rarely occurring in China. The mother of a 17 month-old boy noted the appearance of small white and active worms over a month period in her son’s feces, but the boy was asymptomatic except mild diarrhea. We observed 3 tapeworm proglottids resembling cucumber seeds in his stool sample. Microscopically, each proglottid had 2 genital pores, 1 on each lateral edge, and numerous egg capsules in the uterus. The patient was successfully treated with a single oral dose of praziquantel. Adult worms were recovered in the diarrheic stool after praziquantel treatment and purgation. His family had household pet dogs for several years, and he might have acquired the infection by ingestion of infected fleas of his pet dogs. A history of dog or cat pets and flea bites may be important clues to diagnosis of D. caninum infection. The infected pets should also be treated.
Adult ; Animals ; Capsules ; Cats ; Cestoda* ; Cestode Infections ; China* ; Diagnosis ; Diarrhea ; Dogs* ; Eating ; Family Characteristics ; Feces ; Humans* ; Male ; Mothers ; Ovum ; Praziquantel ; Siphonaptera ; Uterus

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the immuno-effects of hepatitis B (HB) vaccination in adults.

METHODSFive groups were sampled by means of cluster sampling, and serum HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were tested in every group at people aged from 18 to 50. Recombinant HB vaccine was injected to the ones that HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were all negative. Concentration of anti-HBs in serum was tested after one year and three years of vaccination. Immuno-effects of recombinant HB vaccination in adults at different ages and between sexes, were then calculated.

RESULTSGood immuno-effects of recombinant HB vaccination in adults were noticed. After one year and three years of vaccination with 5 micro g recombinant HB vaccine, the anti-HBs positive rates were 82.76%, 70.77% while the serum concentrations of anti-HBs were 55.91 mIU/ml and 35.41 mIU/ml respectively. When 10 micro g was used, the concentrations were 83.74%, 72.22%, 56.89 mIU/ml and 30.29 mIU/ml respectively. The effects did not show significant differences between different doses on 10 micro g and of 5 micro g. Concentration of anti-HBs reduced when time went by. The factors such as age and sex influenced the effects of immunity on recombinant HB vaccination.

CONCLUSIONGood immunity could be obtained when recombinant hepatitis B was vaccinated in vulnerable population aged 18 to 50.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Hepatitis B ; prevention & control ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Vaccines ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vaccination ; Vaccines, Synthetic ; immunology

AIMTo study the expression and regulation of Smad1, Smad2 and Smad4 proteins (intracellular signaling molecules of transforming growth factor-b family) in rat testis during postnatal development.

METHODSThe whole testes were collected from SD rats aged 3, 7, 14, 28 and 90 (adult) days. The cellular localization and developmental changes were examined by immunohistochemistry ABC method with the glucose oxidase-DAB-nickel enhancement technique. Quantitative analysis of the immunostaining was made by the image analysis system. The Smads proteins coexistence in the adult rat testis was tested by the double immune staining for CD14-Smad4 and Smad2-Smad4. The protein expression of Smad during rat testicular development was examined by means of Western blots.

RESULTSSmad1, Smad2 and Smad4 were present throughout testicular development. The immunostaining of Smad1 and Smad2 were present in spermatogenic cells. A positive immunoreactivity was located at the cytoplasm, but the nucleus was negative. Smad1 was immunolocalized at the d14, d28 and adult testes, while Smad2, at the d7, d14, d28 and adult testis. There was positive immunoreaction in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells as well. The immunolocalization of Smad4 was exclusively at the cytoplasm of Leydig cells and the nuclei were negative throughout the testicular development. No expression was detected in the germ cells. The results of image and statistical analysis showed that generally the expression of Smad1, Smad2 and Smad4 in the testis tended to increase gradually with the growth of the rat.

CONCLUSIONThe present data provide direct evidences for the molecular mechanism of TGF-bgr action in rat testes during postnatal development and spermatogenesis.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; analysis ; biosynthesis ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; physiology ; Smad Proteins ; Smad1 Protein ; Smad2 Protein ; Smad4 Protein ; Testis ; chemistry ; growth & development ; physiology ; Trans-Activators ; analysis ; biosynthesis